Uzbekistan, Pakistan Celebrate shared literary heritage at launch of Urdu-Uzbek books

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, has said that the historical, literary, and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan span centuries, with poets, writers, philosophers, and scholars playing a vital role in strengthening the shared heritage of the two nations

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, has said that the historical, literary, and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan span centuries, with poets, writers, philosophers, and scholars playing a vital role in strengthening the shared heritage of the two nations.

He expressed these views while addressing a book launching ceremony titled “Short Stories of the 20th Century and Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary” held in Islamabad.

The Ambassador said that Uzbekistan was proudly participating for the first time in the presentation of two important literary works, the “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary” compiled by noted urdu scholar, diplomat, and Candidate of Philological Sciences Toshmirza Kholmirzayev, and the book “Short Stories of the 20th Century”, translated into Urdu by scholars from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

“We are delighted that the authors of these books, Toshmirza Kholmirzayev and Muhayyo Abdurakhmonova, are participating in this event. Taking this opportunity, we express our sincere appreciation to them,” the Ambassador said.

Highlighting the importance of the dictionary, Ambassador Tukhtaev noted that the “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary” was the result of many years of scholarly research and reflected the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual bonds between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

He said the similarities between the Uzbek and Urdu languages provide clear evidence of the historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious closeness shared by the two nations.

The envoy also thanked the National Language Promotion Department of Pakistan for its cooperation and support in organizing the event.

“Over the centuries, many poets, writers, craftsmen, scholars, and representatives of Sufism traveled from Central Asia to this region, and the influence of this process became clearly visible in our languages as well,” he remarked.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Ambassador Tukhtaev emphasized that the Uzbek and Urdu languages hold special significance because of their rich literary traditions and strong linguistic connections.

He added that centuries of scientific, cultural, and trade relations between Central and South Asia had brought the two languages even closer.

He expressed hope that the dictionary would serve as an important practical guide for students, teachers, translators, and researchers studying Urdu and Uzbek, while also strengthening the linguistic bridge between the two nations.

Speaking about the Urdu translation of “Short Stories of the 20th Century,” the Ambassador said the collection includes nearly 50 stories by renowned Uzbek literary figures such as Abdullah Qahhor, Said Ahmad, Saida Zunnunova, O‘tkir Hoshimov, and Shukur Kholmirzayev.

He noted that the stories, translated by Urdu-language scholars of the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, vividly portray human emotions, social realities, and moral values such as kindness, loyalty, humanity, and faith.

The Ambassador said the publication would further increase interest in Uzbek national literature in Pakistan and help expand creative cooperation between writers and poets of both countries.

“These books are symbols of friendship and mutual respect, and yet another spiritual bridge between our peoples,” Ambassador Tukhtaev said.

He added that such cultural and literary initiatives would strengthen mutual understanding and make dialogue between Uzbekistan and Pakistan more meaningful and productive.

On behalf of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, the Ambassador expressed gratitude to Pakistani friends and partners for their continued cooperation and support, concluding with the hope that the friendship between the two nations would remain eternal and strong.